What is Cafecito's health inspection score?

Cafecito has a SafeDine safety score of 85 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Cafecito last inspected?

Cafecito was last inspected on April 27, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Cafecito have?

Cafecito has 38 total violations across 1 inspection on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Cafecito safe to eat at?

Yes, Cafecito has an excellent safety record with a score of 85/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

What type of cuisine does Cafecito serve?

Cafecito serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Cafecito

Name: Cafecito
Address: 26 E CONGRESS PKWY, Chicago, 60605
Rating: 85

26 E CONGRESS PKWY, Chicago

Last Inspected: 4/27/2026

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0Excellent

American•South Loop

Ranked #113 of 291 in South LoopBetter than 22% of american restaurants

Stable

7 inspections

Last: Apr 27, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

5.4

Avg Violations

1 month ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Food labeling

Food not properly labeled or dated

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-24

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-3 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-9 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-4 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+3 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 76/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (85/100) which is computed during our regular data sync.

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

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26 E CONGRESS PKWY, Chicago, IL 60605

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Violation Timeline

Jul 2022

1 inspections

4 high priority

1 intermediate

2 basic

Jul

Aug 2023

2 inspections

2 high priority

3 intermediate

7 basic

Jul 2024

2 inspections

8 basic

Jul

Oct 2025

1 inspections

2 high priority

6 basic

Apr 2026

1 inspections

3 intermediate

Apr

Inspection History

7 records on file

5 Canvass2 Canvass Re-Inspection

Apr 26

Canvass InspectionLatestPass with Conditions

3 Med

3 total

85/100inspection score

−15 pts

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

23PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION−5
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−5
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−5

Base deductions−15 pts

Oct 25

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High6 Basic

8 total1 risk factor

63/100inspection score

−32 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER FROM 8:30AM TO 9:35AM WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS EGGS,BEEF WERE PREPARED. AT 9:35AM CERTIFIED MANAGER GLORIA ROSALES ARRIVED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN EMPLOYEE HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
NOTED EMPLOYEE WASHING DISHES AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT SETTING IT UP TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE. SANITIZER NOT USED TO SET UP THE SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT ALWAYS TO SET UP THE SINK WHEN WASHING EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005

Basic (6)

−12 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED RUBBER GASKET ON 2 DOOR COOLER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
observed vent in the prep area in need of cleaning. instructed to clean and maintain.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT.

Base deductions−32 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Jul 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
FEMALE FOOD HANDLERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS AND HANDLING FOOD TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. MAINTAIN SAME.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH FOIL, CHARRED FOOD, GREASE AND DEBRIS BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF ALL OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FLOORS ARE GREASY AND SLIPPERY THROUGHOUT. FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND THE STORAGE SHELVES, COOKING/COOLING EQUIPMENT AND SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS TO REMOVE GREASE, FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. -WALLS UNDER/AROUND THE SINKS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH DIRT/DUST AND FOOD SPLATTER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS THROUGHOUT.

Base deductions−6 pts

Jul 24

Canvass InspectionFail

5 Basic

5 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

Basic (5)

−10 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
FEMALE FOOD HANDLERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS AND HANDLING FOOD TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. MAINTAIN SAME.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH FOIL, CHARRED FOOD, GREASE AND DEBRIS BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF ALL OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FLOORS ARE GREASY AND SLIPPERY THROUGHOUT. FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND THE STORAGE SHELVES, COOKING/COOLING EQUIPMENT AND SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS TO REMOVE GREASE, FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. -WALLS UNDER/AROUND THE SINKS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH DIRT/DUST AND FOOD SPLATTER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS THROUGHOUT.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
CFM DOES NOT HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2580115, DATED 8/15/2023 NOT CORRECTED AND/OR MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN: #16- OBSERVED A SLIGHT PINKISH SUBSTANCE ABOVE THE ICE MAKER ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. #37- OBSERVED PREPACKAGED DESSERTS FOR SALE AT THE FRONT CUSTOMER COUNTER IN A REACH IN COOLER WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE BUSINESS NAME, BUSINESS ADDRESS, INGREDIENTS AND ANY POTENTIAL ALLERGENS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. #49- OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS IN BETWEEN THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. #55- OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS IN BETWEEN THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. #57- OBSERVED TWO MALE FOOD HANDLERS AND ONE FEMALE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED

Base deductions−10 pts

Aug 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 High1 Med3 Basic

5 total

79/100inspection score

−21 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED A SLIGHT PINKISH SUBSTANCE ABOVE THE ICE MAKER ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
3-601.11 OBSERVED PREPACKAGED DESSERTS FOR SALE AT THE FRONT CUSTOMER COUNTER IN A REACH IN COOLER WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE BUSINESS NAME, BUSINESS ADDRESS, INGREDIENTS AND ANY POTENTIAL ALLERGENS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-601.11(C) OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS IN BETWEEN THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.12 OBSERVED A MINOR BLACK SUBSTANCE AROUND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED TWO MALE FOOD HANDLERS AND ONE FEMALE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

Base deductions−21 pts

Aug 23

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High2 Med4 Basic

7 total

72/100inspection score

−28 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED A SLIGHT PINKISH SUBSTANCE ABOVE THE ICE MAKER ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
3-601.11 OBSERVED PREPACKAGED DESSERTS FOR SALE AT THE FRONT CUSTOMER COUNTER IN A REACH IN COOLER WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE BUSINESS NAME, BUSINESS ADDRESS, INGREDIENTS AND ANY POTENTIAL ALLERGENS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 10 LIVE SMALL FLIES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA ON THE WALLS BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT AND UTILITY SINK AND OBSERVED ABOUT AN ADDITIONAL 10 LIVE SMALL FLIES LOCATED ON THE WALL AND ON BOXES IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).

Basic (4)

−8 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-601.11(C) OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS IN BETWEEN THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
5-501.15 OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING WITH GARBAGE AND UNABLE TO TIGHTLY CLOSE THE OUTSIDE DUMPSTER LID AND CARDBOARD BOXES PLUS OTHER ARTICLES ON THE GROUND AROUND THE OUTSIDE DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO ENSURE OUTSIDE DUMPSTER LID IS ALWAYS TIGHT FITTING WITHOUT GARBAGE OVERFLOWING AND CLEAN THE GROUND AREA AND REMOVE ARTICLES AROUND THE FACILITY'S OUTSIDE DUMPSTER AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(B).
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.12 OBSERVED A MINOR BLACK SUBSTANCE AROUND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED TWO MALE FOOD HANDLERS AND ONE FEMALE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

Base deductions−28 pts

Jul 22

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

4 High1 Med2 Basic

7 total1 risk factor

46/100inspection score

−49 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED HAND WASHING SIGNAGE MISSING FROM KITCHEN AND BATHROOM HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SIGNAGE.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WIPE SPATULA OFF IN GARBAGE CAN THEN PROCEED TO WASH AND RINSE SPATULA WITHOUT SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL DISHES MUST BE SANITIZED AFTER WASHING AND RINSING. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED COOLER WITH AN INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COOLERS ARE HOLDING AN INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED MILK IN COOLER HELD AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURE OF 49 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL COLD FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED 6 GALLONS OF MILK ($24). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED

Basic (2)

−4 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED SOIL BUILD UP AROUND GRIDDLE AREA AND ON WALLS NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED SEVERAL MISSING CEILING TILES IN DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE CEILING TILES.

Base deductions−49 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

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Community Safety Reports

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Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100
Excellent
70 – 84
Good
Below 70
Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

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